Upcoming Science Lectures
​


Friday, February 13, 2026, 7pm
Food Security and Protected Areas:  Reflections of a Fulbright Global Scholar Project Experience  with Ben Bobowski.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center
Or  online-register to get the link  at https://bit.ly/4sHqjwn
Ben will share insights on his 2025 experience as a Fulbright Global Scholar. His project provided the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Huetar people of Costa Rica and the Gorale people of Poland. His project concept proposal was supported by the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission. He will introduce concepts and tools that he found helpful in understanding food security as he compared and contrasted cultural connections to the land among these three locations. These concepts can apply broadly to any issue or community of people who have an identity with, or attachment to, a landscape or seascape.
Ben Bobowski is a conservation practitioner with more than thirty years of experience, including nine years serving as the Superintendent of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Much of his career has been in rural and wilderness areas creating safe environments to work through difficult issues.

Friday, February 20, 7pm 
Nelchina Caribou Herd Update with Heidi Hatcher, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center
Also available online.  Get the link by registering at https://bit.ly/4b1jtf2
Curious about what happened with the Nelchina caribou herd and how the herd is doing now? Heidi Hatcher is the Glennallen Area Wildlife Biologist and has been working with the Nelchina caribou herd since 2015. Heidi shares the history of the Nelchina caribou herd, management and monitoring efforts, the latest status of the herd, and expectations as the herd recovers.

Friday, March 6, 7pm
Wolf Pack Monitoring:  Range, Distribution, and Diet in Ahtna's Eastern Territory
With Sterling Spilinek, Ethan Vollema, and Trevor Alexander
Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center
This presentation will summarize results from the initial capture and monitoring phase.  The presenters will also discuss adaptive field methods, logistical challenges, and the project's role in advancing tribally driven wildlife science that integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge with rigorous research.

WISE is hiring!  We are currently recruiting for the position of Naturalist Tour Guide for the summer of 2026.
This is a great opportunity for someone to share their love of nature and the Copper River Basin with guests from around the world.
Learn more Here!

Learn about WISE from 3 of our program participants in this new video from Akwild1.  Anna explains how we can't live about nature, Willow shares her love of learning and adventure, and Ike has some great advice for anyone thinking about going on a WISE trip.
WISE now has a Youtube Channel!  Find us at ​https://www.youtube.com/@WISE.Education.Alaskawww.youtube.com/@WISE.Education.Alaska
​

A Glimpse at our 2024 Youth and Community Programs

About Our Name

​WISE is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 with the mission of providing science and environmental education for Alaska's Copper River Valley.  Our full name, Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment, references the nearby Wrangell Mountains, a symbol of the place we serve.  Science, Environment, and the word Institute were included to show our educational focus.  The happy combination of letters giving the acronym "WISE" was a positive factor in the final selection of the name.  
    WISE has no connection or affiliation with the former BIA school known as Wrangell Institute.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, WISE depends on community support. If you, your family, or your community benefit from WISE's services, consider donating to WISE or volunteering with us, or signing up for our mailing list!